Big Fat Hotel Wrap

Can’t survive a Thursday without our masterpiece of a Hotel Wrap? Lucky we had the intern whip this one up for you.

Ulu Cliffhouse to open its doors on 23 September 2017

Ulu Cliffhouse, the 50,000ft² clifftop playground nestled in Uluwatu, Bali, is set to shake things up within the island’s beach club offering with its forthcoming 23 September 2017 launch.

With direct access to the beach, Ulu’s clifftop playground will showcase a 25-metre infinity pool, a music recording studio, an art space and food and drinks – from its open-air restaurant to cliff side rock bar hanging provocatively over the waves. Tipping its hat to the surfers’ paradise location in Uluwatu, Ulu Cliffhouse will also feature a resident surfboard shaper.

Commanding jaw-dropping views of the ocean, Ulu Cliffhouse is set to be home to Bali’s creative crowd, as well as being a space for wanderlusters to unwind or let loose. Designed by Shed London and Bali’s Design Assembly, the beach club draws on the iconic 1950’s Palm Springs aesthetic, enhancing its raw environment with modern edges, effortless chic and youthful cheek.

You can’t see these lodges for the trees – South West Rock’s Sunshine Resort launches new luxury lodge accommodation

Sunshine Resort, located in the NSW mid north coastal town of South West Rocks, has launched new luxury lodges that literally blend in with the landscape.

The seven Ngurra Lodges (‘Ngurra’ means “place of home” in the local Dunghutti Aboriginal language) even boast a decal that replicates the forest setting behind it.

Award-winning Crescent Head photographer, Adam Williams, has created the decals by using over 200 original photos and photo-shopping them together to create remarkably life-like landscapes which mould the lodges into the local bushland.

The $1.6 million investment in the Ngurra Lodges is the latest product innovation at Sunshine Resort, following last year’s introduction of permanent ‘Sunshine Tents’ to meet the growing demand for glamping-style holiday experiences.

Marriott International’s ‘Run to Give’ Charity Run Returns in September 2017 Across Asia Pacific

Marriott International in Asia Pacific today announced that its ‘Run to Give’ charity run will take place across Asia Pacific on 24 September 2017. Debuted in 2014, the annual ‘Run to Give’ brings hotel associates together to organize runs in different cities to support local charities. This year Pier One Sydney Harbour along with Marriott Hotels in Sydney will join efforts to raise funds for Starlight Foundation to bring joy and comfort to hospitalized kids and their families.

‘Run to Give’ is a key event in Asia Pacific under the company’s ‘TakeCare’ movement, which aims to encourage associates to live their best life by promoting physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing and creating strong team synergy, while reinforcing the company’s core values of “We Serve Our World”.

The race held in Sydney is divided into categories of races, 6km, and 8km. The route will see participants running in front of the famous Opera House, through the Botanic gardens and underneath the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

New luxury hotel to celebrate National Capital’s history

The historic West Block buildings in front of new Parliament House will be restored and re-purposed to a magnificent luxury hotel following Geocon’s $6.25 million acquisition of the site from the Commonwealth.

Designed by architect John Smith Murdoch, West Block was one of the earliest buildings erected in the Parliamentary Triangle of the ‘new Federal Capital’. It opened for government use in 1927 as part of the Secretariat buildings and was once home to the National Library, the Crown Solicitor’s office and the Australian Electoral Commission. It is currently vacant.

World-renowned architects Fender Katsalidis, the creative powerhouse behind Hobart’s MONA and Canberra’s NewActon precinct, will design the new hotel. Fender Katsalidis are the only living architects to have converted a John Smith Murdoch building into a hotel, through their work reimagining the former Acton House into The Diamant Hotel, NewActon (now Peppers Gallery Hotel).

Taveuni Palms Resort Fiji win’s “Signum Virtutis”

Taveuni Palms is the recipient of the highest and most exclusive award, the “Signum Virtutis”, the Seal of Excellence, from the 2017 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards, in the Hotels and Resorts sector.

The fifth Anniversary Gala ceremony took place on 23 September 2017 at the exclusive private member’s country club in Greece, the Ecali Club, and was attended by Taveuni Palms owners Barry and Colleen O’Neill.

The Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards celebrate the pinnacle in luxury for both hospitality and lifestyle. The awards, voted on by consumers and trade, are designed to identify exceptional from the very best by bestowing the highest and exclusive, SIGNUM VIRTUTIS – the seal of excellence, upon the most exceptional luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle properties worldwide.

Travelport, a leading travel commerce platform, today announced the first 1000 hotels offering Travelport’s negotiated corporate-friendly rates to the company’s corporate travel agency customers. Located in 48 countries, participating hotels in the Travelport Exclusive Rates program will offer negotiated rates with at least one element exclusive to the Travelport Travel Commerce Platform.

These offers are negotiated directly by Travelport with the hotel, providing agencies that may not be able to secure these special rates themselves, the benefit of Travelport’s scale. Accessed via its industry leading point of sale tool, Travelport Smartpoint, Travelport Exclusive Rates can be found directly in the agent workflow, thereby saving time and increasing efficiency.

When manually searching hotels and also using Travelport’s rate audit tool, Travelport Exclusive Rates have been found to be less expensive and contain more exclusive elements, such as included breakfast or more favourable cancellation terms, in 80 per cent of cases. In the other 20 per cent of the searches, the hotel offered an enhanced agency commission or other benefit to the traveller.

Karma Resorts announces sponsorship of England Sevens Rugby

Karma Resorts is delighted to announce their partnership with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to sponsor England Sevens Rugby for the upcoming 2017/18 season. This includes all 10 legs of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018, including a training camp at Karma in Bali, and the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco.

After enjoying a great 2016/17 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, in which they finished second in the standings behind South Africa, England Rugby recently announced a very strong 20-man sevens squad for the 2017/18 season.

Karma has also recently highlighted their commitment to developing the future of English rugby with their sponsorship of Senior Rugby at top English rugby school Brighton College. The sponsorship at Brighton College will provide the teams with a plethora of additional training opportunities, including the professional recording of matches for analysis and subsidised tours throughout the year.

Thailand’s most pet-friendly beach resort

If there’s a single word to describe Centara Chaan Talay Resort & Villas it would be “unspoilt” – a pristine white beach overlooking a clear sea and backed by virgin jungle. Quiet. Authentically rural. A place to relax, read, and rejuvenate and a place to bring your dog!

Take your fur baby for a walk by the ocean, through the garden, even to lunch or dinner with you in the open-air restaurant. There are even pet washing and grooming tools supplied in every villa. If your dog isn’t too large, it can even stay in your room with you.

Whether you bring your poodle or pomeranian or just yourself, the resort has an endless array of things to see and do. The palm-covered hills of Koh Chang lie across the strait; you can take a boat there or to Koh Kood to experience world famous dive sites. Enjoy the infinity pool and a traditional Thai massage in the resort’s spa. Stroll the 800-metre stretch of beach just outside your front door, take a Thai cooking class or join the candle-making and T-shirt painting activities.

InterContinental Hotels Group, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the opening of InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Perched atop the towering Keangnam Landmark72 from the 62nd to 71st floors, InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 is now welcoming guests to enjoy one of the 359 sophisticated and luxurious rooms.

The capital’s newest stand-out luxury hotel is within the wider Landmark72 complex, which comprises retail, commercial, and entertainment offerings, including a variety of meeting spaces ranging from 70 to 920 square metres.

It is situated close to some of Hanoi’s major landmarks and attractions such as Hanoi Museum, Vietnam National Convention Centre, Garden Shopping Centre and the headquarters of many Vietnamese multinational corporations. The hotel is less than 40 minutes from Noi Bai International Airport, promising guests a smooth transit when visiting the capital city.

Raid the minibar at Atura Hotels

Whether curbing a chocolate craving or unwinding with a cold beer, the humble minibar has been answering your emergency snacking needs for decades. In a move that once again proves their design-inspired hotels are at the forefront of Australian mid-market accommodation, Atura Hotels are granting guests guiltless access to their minibar. That’s right folks – FREE MINIBAR!

Let’s face it; succumbing to a late night craving in a hotel room can be a costly experience. Worry no more as Atura is rewarding all guests who stay until 31st December, 2017, with the entire contents of their in-room minibar on the house.

The FREE MINIBAR offer has been added to the list of surprising complimentary touches found peppered throughout all Atura Hotels. Such inclusions are free Wi-Fi, coffee pods for in-room coffee pod machines, GHD Hair Straighteners, and designer bathroom amenities by New York’s Malin & Goetz.

Frasers Hospitality, a division of Frasers Centrepoint Limited, has relaunched its Fraser World loyalty programme to meet the evolving needs of today’s traveller with greater flexibility, instant rewards and digital offerings.

The new programme marks the transformation of Fraser World from a recognition to a rewards programme. Designed specifically to complement travellers’ lifestyles, Fraser World members will now be able to instantly redeem points for complimentary stays or lifestyle rewards like e-shopping vouchers. Additionally, Fraser World members will also find it easier to accumulate points and qualify for the different membership tiers.

Fraser World members enjoy a wide array of personalised services and special privileges ranging from complimentary apartment upgrades to exclusive discounts on room rates and food and beverage items. Early check-ins, from as early as 8am, and late check-outs as late as 6pm are also offered to members, amongst other benefits.

Kempinski Hotels opens elegant Five-Star Hotel in Riga

Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga, Latvia’s first five-star luxury Kempinski Hotel, will open its doors to guests as of October. With the famous Latvian National Opera House by its side and the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at its feet, the hotel presents a whole new level of comfort and elegance to both city guests and locals.

Grand Hotel Kempinski Rigafeatures 141 first-class rooms and suites, two restaurants and two bars, six spacious meeting rooms, including the Grand Ballroom, a world-class SPA and wellness facility. Breath taking panoramic views of the capital, refined service and a rich cultural experience await guests from around the globe.

The alluring location of Grand Hotel Kempinski Rigais not just a coincidence; nor is the revival of the former Hotel Rome site, the most modern accommodation in Riga, dating back to the 1880s. The original building was almost entirely destroyed during WWII, but it took just a few years to rebuild it from scratch.

The newly open Hotel Riga then housed the first-ever bar in Latvia and served the first cocktail in the whole Soviet Union, where Hotel Riga was considered to be among the best hotels in the whole republic. Today, celebrating the rich history of the great building and its prominent guests from around the world, Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga opens in the very heart of Old Riga, reclaiming its position as a social hub that fully meets every guest’s needs.

Airbnb launches New York City Experiences

Airbnb confirmed that it is bringing its popular Trips platform to New York, unveiling 150 locally-led Experiences of the city for Aussie / Kiwi travellers to book right now.

As the latest city to join the ranks of other global capitals including Sydney, Queenstown, London, Rome, Paris and Tokyo as an Airbnb Trips destination,travellers now have the opportunity to explore a different and authentic side to the city, all the while getting to know the people and places driving New York City.

Travellers and guests of Airbnb can now learn hip-hop dance moves from a local South Bronx dance crew, taste delicious and authentic Latin food with a Dominican Queens native, booze through a historical beer tour with a born-and-bred Brooklynite, or embark on an underground tour of the subway system with a transit expert, all while discovering the hidden gems that only locals know.

Paradise pushes culinary cart into Saigon

The company behind three of the best restaurants in Hanoi and Hoi An is betting it has the recipe for success in Ho Chi Minh City, too.

The new eating establishments joinHOME Hanoi,Ngon Villa Hanoi andHOME Hoi An — all of which consistently rank on TripAdvisor among the top 10 dining venues in their respective destinations — in the Paradise restaurant portfolio.

The luxury hospitality group also owns and operates some of Halong Bay’s finest lodging options, including a pair of five-star hotels and a fleet of chic cruise ships.

But with 10 more restaurants in the pipeline for 2018, Paradise could soon find itself at the head of Vietnam’s culinary table.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World relaunches loyalty programme – INVITED

Small Luxury Hotels of the World has launched an evolved loyalty programme – INVITED. The free-to-join programme replaces The Club of SLH and offers all members access to exclusive rates, guaranteed benefits and ‘Small Luxuries’ right from their first stay at any of its 500 small, independently minded hotels worldwide.

INVITED is the result of extensive research among existing members and consists of three tiers – Invited, Inspired and Indulged. The research demonstrated that the benefits members most highly valued from a loyalty programme directly related to their hotel stay, as opposed to wider promotions and brand affiliations. SLH’s investment in INVITED has been designed to reflect this, while simplifying and personalising the member experience.

A distinguishing feature of INVITED is that SLH will be delivering many of the generous new programme features itself. These include rewards for recommending a friend, birthday gifts and the programme’s signature benefit, Small Luxuries. SLH members of any tier, chosen based on their engagement with the brand, will be surprised with bespoke experiences, either during their stay and when they return.

Pioneering British designer Kelly Hoppen MBE and Mauritian architect Jean-Francois Adam have completely reinvented the new LUX* Grand Gaube in Mauritius, into an eclectic retro-chic tropical retreat, launching this December. Get set for an innovative approach to style at this new look 186 room resort and spa set in tropical gardens, edging two beaches and featuring 6 innovative restaurants and 5 bars, a luxe-for-less boutique, indoor cinema and sporting events.

Artistic flair is also on show with French street-artist Jace sharing his famous Gouzou illustrations around the resort and French artist Camille Walala is painting brightly-coloured murals — that grace walls from Melbourne to Manhattan and now Mauritius.

ROMANTIC BEDROOMS AND SUITES

Step from every sea-view bedroom onto peaceful terraces, some with outdoor baths or sundecks edged by soft sand. All eight room categories are fitted with LUX* Sleeptight mattresses, soft linens and pillows, robes and slippers — all designed for the best night’s sleep you’ll ever have. Huge doors treat the living spaces to lots of natural light and generous wardrobe and dressing space enhance the loft-style feel.

WELL-GROOMED GROUNDS IN A DISTINCTLY AFRICAN SETTING

Framed by fruit trees and filao pine trees, the sweeping driveway to the hotel traces the ‘powdered gold’ coastline — to the east spot the local fishermen’s boats coming in with their fresh daily catch. Chelsea Flower Show winner Stephen Woodhams has designed LUX* Grand Gaube’s meticulous gardens filled with yellow, orange and pink bougainvillea and many tree species from araucaria to impressive grand banyans.

REMARKABLE RESTAURANTS AND BARS

As always, Café LUX* features at the heart of the resort offering LUX* ethically-sourced, freshly ground Island-blend coffee. House-roasted beans are made into specialist brews by baristas serving an array of cold press, pour-overs and nitro coffees. Palm Court is an alfresco style restaurant and bar where guests can dine in cosy banquettes, or at the kitchen counter watching the chef in action. Live cooking stations, offer freshly steamed dim sum, Mediterranean tapas, zingy curries, and Sichuan or Cantonese stir fries made right there.

Stick to healthy-eating with help-yourself salads, just made sushi, house-made kombucha elixirs and gourmet smoked fish and cured meats. There’s home style Italian cooking too, with wood-fired pizzas, salt-crusted fish, crispy suckling pig and a rotisserie showcasing the juiciest cuts. With the largest selection of Prosecco and Cider in the country and craft, local and imported beers on tap, the Palm Court Bar is the place to relax.

Enveloped by nature, an authentic Creole Smokehouse tempts with cured fish and meat, cooked on charcoal or from an amazing smoker, while a shaded wooden shack “BB’s” perfects the art of the burger. Adding to the ‘sugar island’ experience is a Rum Treehouse with a selection of 88 varieties of rums. Order inventive rum cocktails, by tugging on the cabana style rope which leads to a bartender waiting below. Quench thirst at quirky G&T 100 Club, or at Citroën H van, a converted pop-up bar, nicknamed French Kiss. It’s a first you’ll always remember.

A NEW WORLD OF WELLNESS & FITNESS

LUX* Me spa offers bespoke treatments from anti-ageing, to fitness and weight loss. Complementing the Shirley Page LUX* Me Spa experience, French skincare line Carita promises to revamp the skin. A Kérastase flagship hairdressing salon also provides manicures and pedicures from Essie. Gentlemen will be in the best nick too thanks to the Murdock barber shop with a London barber to boot. Soothe away stresses in the hydrotherapy pool, steam room and sauna, or simply taking time out on a canopied daybed.

Shopping has never been so fun. Think quirky gadgets, unique Mauritian souvenirs and a make your own jewellery station, through to collaborations with international designers including Melissa Odabash, Orle-bar Brown, Julien Fournié and Indian Cotton. Little ones are also spoilt for choice with the new Baby LUX* collection.

Construction of the Ritz-Carlton, Perth ahead of schedule

Construction of The Ritz-Carlton, Perth is progressing quickly, with a quarter of the construction process complete. On track to open in mid-2019, The Ritz-Carlton, Perth marks the re-entry of the luxury hotel operator into Australia and will further boost the growing international appeal of the city.

Owned by multinational developer, Far East Consortium, The Ritz-Carlton, Perth will be a prominent anchor point within Perth’s Elizabeth Quay development. Sitting just 30 metres from the waterfront, the 205-room hotel will occupy a 28-storey tower, which will also include a selection of impressive residential apartments.

The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, together with The Towers at Elizabeth Quay, an upscale residential development located beside the hotel, will sit atop exclusive retail space, fine-dining experiences, and waterfront access. This AUD$500 million project, being built by national construction company, Probuild, is expected to create 1,200 jobs in Perth.

Relais & Châteaux welcomes 24 new member properties

Relais & Châteaux is different than other associations in that its members include over 550 world-class hotels and restaurants spanning the globe, each with a distinct setting, atmosphere and flavor. The core mission of Relais & Châteaux is the art of living, so its main focus is inspiring and sparking curiosity among its guests: swim with pink dolphins at the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve or learn Vedic chanting in Thanjāvūr.

Association members are products of their region, their history, their environment and culture, so they all hold the same values of passing on and showing pride in their local heritage and ancestry through their cuisine and culture.

From a luxury lodge nestled in Zululand to a cruise ship deep inside the Peruvian Amazon, Relais & Châteaux introduces 24 new members – each one as extraordinary as the next.

Race into QT Hotels and Resorts this Melbourne Cup

Giddy up and race into QT Hotels and Resorts for Melbourne Cup celebrations that are set to stop the nation on Tuesday 7th November 2017.

Set to rival the trackside marquees, QT Hotels and Resorts have put their best hoof forward to create an unrivalled race day atmosphere. Fillies and colts can mingle, sip bubbles and join in sweepstakes in glamorous comfort while history unfolds at Flemington.

Giddy Up at Gowings Bar & Grill at QT Sydney:

Before the horses take to the track for the big race, indulge in a three-course lunch at QT Sydney’s Gowings Bar & Grill. QT Sydney will be the place to watch the day’s action unfold, with a Fashions on the Field contest and sweepstake offering a number of exciting prizes to be won. Post-event celebrations will continue upstairs in the luxe Gilt Lounge from 4pm.

Winning Cocktails at QT Melbourne:

Soak up the sunshine and sip on a winning selection of Spring Racing cocktails and champagne at Pascale Bar or The Rooftop at QT. Place your bets on a Sparkling Caviar – Tanqueray, crème de violet, lemon juice, Prosecco, fresh flowers; Martini Diva – Vodka Skyy, lemon juice, passionfruit, egg white and sugar; or Prince of Paloma – Espolon Tequila, Aperol, sugar, lime, fresh grapefruit juice and topped with Capi Soda, while watching the action unfold on the screens.

Rosé at the races at QT Gold Coast’s Outdoor Calypso Terrace:

Get ready for an unforgettable Melbourne Cup Day at QT Gold Coast’s famous Stingray and Yamagen bars. With two hours of premium food and drinks, an Instagram-worthy floral backdrop, flowing rosé and sweepstakes, the who’s who on the Gold Coast will be out in force.

Melbourne Cup Bellini High Tea at QT Gold Coast:

FIXX Café is bringing style and glamour to the Gold Coast this Melbourne Cup. Starting the day with Bellini cocktails and a spring inspired High Tea; this is the perfect event for the most fashionable and discerning of foodies.

Melbourne Cup lunch at QT Gold Coast’s BAZAAR:

Enjoy the glamour of the Melbourne Cup with fine food, champagne and fashion at BAZAAR. As well as a gigantic sweepstake, best-dressed awards and live streaming from Flemington, partygoers are also invited to Stingray Lounge to continue celebrations at the conclusion of lunch.

Get Race Day Ready at QT Gold Coast’s spaQ:

The talented team a spaQ is offering race-day glamour to all the fashion fillies on the Gold Coast, with customised makeup appointments available. Using Australian owned boutique makeup range Issada, ladies can also choose from Flawless false lashes.

Melbourne Cup at QT Port Douglas’ Estilo Bar:

Feel like you are trackside with an extravagant lawn party at Estilo Bar this Melbourne Cup Day. With a glass of champagne on arrival, two hours of delicious canapés and beverages, punters can also take part in Fashions on the Lawn, sweepstakes, and lucky door prizes. The party will continue with the official post-race party with DJ on the deck from 3pm.